How to Install RRM Rear Strut Bar

[joeyj]

This is my write up of the installation of my RRM rear strut bar, however i bought mine used and did not come with any parts from RRM (bolts, nuts, etc..), and as such here is a list of all materials used during installation.

14mm 3/8" depth socket w/ socket wrench
Utility knife
Tape measure


The trim was easy enough to pull out, 4 little plastic clips and 1 plastic screw on each side (keep these so you can put trim back on later), I pulled out the trim from the back of the trunk enough to measure for a hole that i was going to cut in the carpet for the bar. I didnt pull the carpet all the way out, only pulled it towards the front of the car enough to measure where to cut the hole.

While you have the trim pulled up, using the socket wrench, take one one nut of one bolt on the same side (I did the side closer to the trunk). After measuring the hole, i place the trim back but did not replace the plastic clips so i could still move it around if need be, after cutting the holes, simply place the RRM bar on top of the bolts.

The tricky part was for me, to get the nut to line up with the bolt while it was inside the bar, just line it up and use the socket wrench to hand tighten it to about 35-40ft/lbs (torque wrench not needed).

then just replace all the clips and carpet to there places and you're good!

Sorry about the pics quality, i used my camera phone


Installed with holes in trim
http://www.geocities.com/xaznxrebl808/SSPX0217.jpg

Hole on left side of trunk
http://www.geocities.com/xaznxrebl808/SSPX0218.jpg

Hole on right side of trunk
http://www.geocities.com/xaznxrebl808/SSPX0219.jpg

Pic with trim pulled away
http://www.geocities.com/xaznxrebl808/SSPX0220.jpg

Pic with trim pulled away
http://www.geocities.com/xaznxrebl808/SSPX0221.jpg

[NorCal Lancer]

wut kind of bolts do you need for this? i also bought mine used off of ebay and it didnt come with anything but the strut bar

[joeyj]

you dont need any bolts at all, you take the nuts off the bolts on the side of the strut tower, and the bar just goes on in between it, like any washer that you put on nuts and bolts, and then you just need the 3/8" driver to tighten the nut back on inside the strut bar.

[fkdrcrs]

nice write up, its a very easy install.

although i didnt need the knife or measuring tape.

[NorCal Lancer]

im gonna try to do it this weekend, or on friday if the weather is nice!

[NorCal Lancer]

i installed it today! had to go buy an effin tool kit for deep socket tools, and all i needed was the 14mm. well i think i will be able to return it once im completely done, so haha home depot! well i just installed the strut bar, i need to cut the trim. i pulled it all out, i want to make the smallest hole possible. i mgiht have to wait until tomorrow becuz theres like some rain here today (just a little bit)

[NorCal Lancer]

hey joeyj, something i realized, i think u installed ur strut bar wrong. you know how there are 2 identical bolts on each side? well i lookde at rrm's website and they used the back one. according to ur pictures, it seems like u put it on the one nearest the rear of the car, when i think you are supposed to put it more towards the front of the car. it might not matter though, i dunno

[joeyj]

it does not matter at all, its mostly personal preference. As long as the strut is helping stabilize either side of the towers, the same effect is achieved,

I remember otter posting about it somewhere as well saying its no difference.

I just did the ones closest to the trunk because it was easier for me to get at while installing it.

Sweet on the install tho man! I bet you can tell loads of difference, I know I can =]

[NorCal Lancer]

yeah, i had a feeling that it might really make a difference. but yeah, i notice a small difference, and it looks cool! haha. I'll try to take a pic so you guys can see how small i made the hole

[joeyj]

haha i was just getting the flu when i started my install, since i was home sick from work and all, what better thing to do?? lol

andways not feeling good made me not care about size of the holes since no one sees my trunk anyways =p

[Realistic]

i have a tub box in my trunk and i'm wondering if my strut bar is still going to fit. either way, i'm going to try
is the bolt directly in the middle of that pod?

[Cj98]

If you have the stock sub then you going to have to remove it unless you have the RDD sub friendly strut bar. If im thinking correctly your talking about the actualy strut? dont unbolt that just use the closest or farthest bolt

[joeyj]

yeah you gotta remove the stock sub, didnt bother me since I have 2 10" pioneers in a box in my trunk, only downside is virtually no trunk space, but its ok for me since I never need it

[Stephen@Harman]

[JPxM0Dz]

This is an easy install, 10-15 minutes once panels are removed